Division 1 West
Aberystwyth 31 Crymych 7
After six defeats on the bounce Aberystwyth returned to winning ways with a 31-7 success over Pembrokeshire rivals Crymych at Plascrug.
It was the Preselimen though who were first out of the blocks and they pushed hard for an early score but they were thwarted by a resolute and disciplined Aber defence.
Outside half Steffan Rees put the hosts ahead with early penalty but Crymych came back strongly and almost scored in the corner but a superb tackle by Aber winger Sion Cowdy saved the day.
Aberystwyth enjoyed the lion’s share of possession as the half wore on and with their scrum beginning to dominate they put Crymych on the back foot and they were eventually rewarded with a push-over try scored by captain Lee Evans and converted by Rees to make the score 10-0.
Aber finished the half dominantly and scored a fine try when they stretched the Crymych defence and then quickly moved the ball to prop James Plumridge who created an opening for fellow front rower Owain Bonsall to plunge over. The try was converted by Rees to make the half-time 17 – 0 to Aber.
Crymych came storming back after the break and they stretched the Aber defence and scored when winger Laurence Headlam crossed for a try which was converted by Rhys Davies.
The visitors were now well on top and playing with more confidence and were prepared to attack from deep even from their own 22 and from one of these dangerous forays they unfortunately knocked on and Aber were able to regroup, settle down, and gradually edge their way back into the game in a similar fashion to the meeting at Parc Lloyd Thomas earlier in the season.
With the game moving into the last ten minutes Aber eventually broke away and ran in for a fine individual try from impressive full back Mathew Hughes who with a brilliant pick-up at speed , split the defence and sprinted round under the posts for Rees to convert comfortably.
Crymych to their credit tried to run the possession they had from anywhere but unfortunately for them a dropped pass in their 22 gave replacement flanker Jordon Thomas the opportunity to hack the ball through and he picked up the ball and dived over near to the posts for Rees to cap a fine performance with another conversion.
A welcome win for Aberystwyth which completed a double for them over Crymych but both teams had their moments in what was an entertaining game.
Photos by Mike Binks.
